A refrigerator is a household appliance that is used to keep food and drinks cool, fresh, and safe for consumption by reducing the temperature inside. It works by removing heat from the interior through a process called vapor-compression refrigeration. The refrigerator was invented in 1834 by an American engineer named John Gorrie, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the first electric home refrigerators were introduced to consumers. Today, refrigerators are a common appliance found in homes and businesses around the world, playing an essential role in preserving food and maintaining proper hygiene standards.